Chestnut Hill Home and Garden Festival blooms big in 2024

With the sunnier parts of the year finally in full bloom, Philadelphians with a green thumb and those looking to expand on their home decor can rejoice — the Chestnut Hill Home and Garden Festival has set a date for May 5 (Note, the festival has been moved to its rain date on May 19.) 

On that day, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., more than 250 vendors will set up shop along the 8000 to 8600 blocks of Germantown Avenue to highlight home and garden décor. The event will also feature outdoor craft demonstrations, live music, children’s activities, and over 200 retailers, restaurants, and businesses within the Chestnut Hill Business District joining in on the fun.

A focal point of the festival every year is the Maker’s Village, which will feature pottery, macrame, sewing and stained glass demonstrations. Another highlight, the Sustainability Hub, will showcase businesses, makers, and organizations working to support the goals of a more sustainable Philadelphia.

The Maker’s Village and Sustainability Hub complement the numerous home and garden stores throughout Chestnut Hill, including Laurel Hill Gardens, Foliage, Ember, Summer Classics, NoName Gallery, Gravers Lane Gallery, HOST Interiors, Tailored Home, Kitchen Kapers, Garden State Tile, PTK Rug Gallery, and Home Works, according to a news release.

While at the festival, Philadelphians can also stop at Kilian Hardware, which was founded in 1913, making it the oldest hardware store in the city. 

Additionally, outdoor vendors at the occasion will be showcasing sculptures and garden art, heirloom vegetable plants, beekeeping, flower baskets, terrariums, landscaping, lawn care, masonry, jewelry, vintage goods and collectibles, indoor décor, and more.  Other standouts this year include live demonstrations from artisans and a “Fun Fest” at Jenks Elementary School with a DJ, dance performances, carnival games, face painting, an inflatable obstacle course, slide, food trucks and more. 

Stagecrafters will also be on site for theatrical performances and circus-themed feats — think music from ‘Aladdin’ from the Jenks Choir, dance performances from SNAP Co., tarot card readings from the Amazing Carson, a photobooth, and the story of ‘Rumpelstiltskin’ performed by the Children’s Theater.

Live music will also be performed throughout the festival with DJ Esteban, Dukes of Destiny, the Michael Allman Band, Carty Brown and more. A full list of performers, times and what stage each act will be on is available online. 

The day will also boast henna tattoos, a used book sale at Tavern on the Hill, plus an outdoor cookout from McNally’s Tavern featuring sandwiches, beer, and spring-inspired slushies. And since the festival also happens to fall on Cinco de Mayo, El Poquito and El Limon along with several other Mexican-themed food stands will set up shop along Germantown Avenue. 

Philadelphians should note: In case of inclement weather, the festival will occur on Sunday, May 19. For more information on the Chestnut Hill Home and Garden Festival, visit chestnuthillpa.com.